Biting The Hand
I decided to write my column on rap lyrics before my own newspaper editorialized on the subject. I was motivated to write the column after hearing so many right wing pundits and bloggers saying that Don Imus got canned while no one complains about rap lyrics. Utter bullshit. And I sought to show that the black community has been complaining about rap lyrics for long, long time.
I wrote the column and then on Wednesday morning, found that my newspaper had editorialized on the same subject taking the "Don Imus got fired but what about rap?" line.
So in essence, I disagree with my paper. It wasn't planned to be this way. It's just coincidence. But I stand by it.
The paper also mentions "free speech." That's a ridiculous argument for them to propose. Don Imus has the absolute right to use the phrase "nappy headed hos." He could even go on a street corner, find some black girls walking by and call them that. He won't be arrested (assaulted, maybe). The government won't silence him. He has that free speech right. And his employers have the right to can him.
If I wrote an anti-Semitic, Holocaust denying column, the same people at my paper who wrote this editorial would refuse to run that column. And if they did run it, they'd be overwhelmed by calls for my dismissal. And I'm sure they would let me go. It doesn't have to do with free speech. It has to do with business.
Before you read my column, I thought I would post the Daily Republic editorial in question.
Imus affair raises other questions
By Daily Republic staff
The fact that Don Imus was fired by CBS radio and MSNBC for his comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team seems like sweet justice to those who dislike the sharp-tongued New Mexican.
The process that led to his demise, however, should be of concern to those who still treasure the right to free speech in our imperfect society.
"This is only the first round," proclaimed the Rev. Al Sharpton, who more than any other opportunist has capitalized on the Imus affair.
Encouraged by his success in ruining Imus, it appears that Sharpton is ready to embrace a larger role where he will be look down upon other mere mortals and judge what language is acceptable, what is not and then reap the benefits of being a judge, jury and professional self-promoter.
Imus' remarks were uncalled for but also reflected language that is common in rap music, which is heard every day by millions in the streets and homes of America. If Sharpton is so concerned abut the young black women whom Imus referred to in that insensitive remark, why isn't he also demanding that rap musicians stop using the same or even more tasteless references to African-American women?
Sharpton, however, is not stupid. The reverend knows he has little to gain by angering his constituency.
In the meantime, it's apparent that he is prepared to embrace a new role as the chief of speech police. He is sending a message that he will be watching what other public figures say and if he's displeased will take the necessary steps to punish that individual.
Hopefully, Americans will not be puppets for the ambitious Sharpton. It is not up to him to decide what is acceptable and he will lack credibility anyway until he applies the same standards of speech to rap musicians.
The process that led to his demise, however, should be of concern to those who still treasure the right to free speech in our imperfect society.
"This is only the first round," proclaimed the Rev. Al Sharpton, who more than any other opportunist has capitalized on the Imus affair.
Encouraged by his success in ruining Imus, it appears that Sharpton is ready to embrace a larger role where he will be look down upon other mere mortals and judge what language is acceptable, what is not and then reap the benefits of being a judge, jury and professional self-promoter.
Imus' remarks were uncalled for but also reflected language that is common in rap music, which is heard every day by millions in the streets and homes of America. If Sharpton is so concerned abut the young black women whom Imus referred to in that insensitive remark, why isn't he also demanding that rap musicians stop using the same or even more tasteless references to African-American women?
Sharpton, however, is not stupid. The reverend knows he has little to gain by angering his constituency.
In the meantime, it's apparent that he is prepared to embrace a new role as the chief of speech police. He is sending a message that he will be watching what other public figures say and if he's displeased will take the necessary steps to punish that individual.
Hopefully, Americans will not be puppets for the ambitious Sharpton. It is not up to him to decide what is acceptable and he will lack credibility anyway until he applies the same standards of speech to rap musicians.
Comments